Brothers Sentenced to Decades in Prison for Denver Aquarium Murder

Antonio Vasquez and Jason Trujillo Jr. pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for a 2024 drive-by shooting that killed a 19-year-old visitor.

Mar. 7, 2026 at 9:51pm

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Two brothers, Antonio Vasquez and Jason Trujillo Jr., were sentenced to decades in prison on Friday after pleading guilty to second-degree murder for a drive-by shooting at Denver's Downtown Aquarium that killed 19-year-old Dacien Salazar in February 2024. Vasquez received a 40-year sentence while Trujillo was sentenced to 20 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections.

Why it matters

The shooting at the popular Denver tourist attraction shocked the community and raised concerns about public safety, especially in crowded areas. The lengthy sentences handed down to the two brothers aim to hold them accountable for the tragic loss of life.

The details

Investigators found that Salazar, who was visiting from Pueblo, was targeted by Vasquez and Trujillo, who drove to the Denver area from southern Colorado to kill him. Salazar's friends told police he had received threats from gang members and from Trujillo before the shooting.

  • The shooting occurred on February 14, 2024 outside the Downtown Aquarium in Denver.
  • Vasquez and Trujillo were sentenced on March 7, 2026.

The players

Antonio Vasquez

A 21-year-old man who pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 40 years in prison for shooting and killing Dacien Salazar.

Jason Trujillo Jr.

A 19-year-old man who pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 20 years in prison for driving the vehicle during the shooting that killed Dacien Salazar.

Dacien Salazar

A 19-year-old visitor from Pueblo who was killed in the drive-by shooting at the Denver Downtown Aquarium.

John Walsh

The Denver District Attorney who stated that Salazar's murder "was not just a tragedy for his friends and family, it was a crime that shocked countless Denver residents".

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What they’re saying

“Dacien Salazar's murder was not just a tragedy for his friends and family, it was a crime that shocked countless Denver residents – a shooting in broad daylight in a busy public place.”

— John Walsh, Denver District Attorney

What’s next

The judge's decision to sentence the two brothers to decades in prison aims to hold them accountable and send a strong message about the consequences of violent crime in the Denver community.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the ongoing challenges of gun violence and public safety, even in popular tourist destinations. It underscores the need for continued efforts to address the root causes of such crimes and protect innocent lives.